i know..a valve stem seal question

[stocker97tsi]

so my car smokes a lights, but not when i start it up yet...and it smokes worse after it heats up to about normal temp..is it valve stem seals? or rings? i dont think rings because i havent noticed a power loss yet but i havent done a comp test..thanks for the input

 

[Black_Bullet]

Just do a leak down and a compression test and let us know the results

 

[boostenon114]

What color is the smoke?

 

[stocker97tsi]

its blue..so i know its oil

 

[ArticNemesis]

Does it smoke more under boost or while driving in vacuum. If it doesn't smoke when you start it up but more as it heats up, then it's looking more like the cylinder rings.

Compression Test / Leakdown Test will be your only definitive answer.

 

[stocker97tsi]

it doesnt really do it at all while im driving..just like when i stop

 

[1997hciv]

it doesnt really do it at all while im driving..just like when i stop

I am having the same problem..did you figure it out?

 

[slidesquad]

i just got a newer motor with 4k on it i did a leak down test and it was perfect not leaking at all. but the exhaust port on cylinder #2 had some oil on it and the plug had a decent amount of oil on it.. could this be valve stem seals?

 

[nlzn]

If it doesn't smoke under throttle you were most likely correct in the valve seal area being the problem.
Worn rings will smoke more when the crankcase pressure starts to increase and allows blow-by, I doubt bad rings are causing your problem. However its easy to rule with a cylinder compression test as posted above. A leakdown test in combo with that compression test will answer the question 100% for you.

 

[MichaelSuch]

I was told by the machine shop that just a compression test don't really tell you everything. Your compression rings could be fine but your oil rings could be shot and that is why you are smoking. I took a head there for them to put in new valve seals and pressure check everything, but he said that may not solve my problem. He said since I'm that far in already just pull the oil pan and push the rods and pistons out and re-ring them and solve all your oil burning issues.

How long have you had the car? If it's ever gotten really hot or overheated it then you will need new rings.

 

[JusMX141]

Compression tests lie.

For example, you could have leaky exhaust valve stem seals that allow oil to seep down the stem and burn to the base of the valve. This wouldn't allow the valve to seal properly against the head, causing low compression in that cylinder. A leakdown test would tell the tale, but a standard compression test wouldn't tell you where the problem area is.